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Gratitude Beads

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Gratitude Beads
Swap Coordinator:LadyT (contact)
Swap categories: Handmade 
Number of people in swap:27
Location:International
Type:None
Last day to signup/drop:December 1, 2008
Date items must be sent by:December 31, 2008
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

The Power of Gratitude An expert tells why giving thanks is good for your health. By Stephen Post, PhD Cleveland, Ohio

I’m a researcher. As a professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine, I deal in facts. I’m also a father and a husband—a man blessed with a rich family life. Like many researchers, I’ve always felt that my clinical and my personal lives were two different things. Two different worlds, really.

Then, in 2001, I created a research group called the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love (IRUL), dedicated to testing and measuring the effects of love and other positive caring emotions in human life. Our findings surprised me, as I think they will you. Our studies have shown that love-related qualities—like gratitude—actually make us physically healthier.

The implications of this research have changed the way I look at my life all year ’round, but they’re especially meaningful to me during the holiday season. Here are five discoveries from our work at IRUL to keep in mind as you gather together to give thanks with your loved ones.

1. Gratitude Defends Just 15 minutes a day focusing on the things you’re grateful for will significantly increase your body’s natural antibodies.

2. Gratitude Sharpens Naturally grateful people are more focused mentally and measurably less vulnerable to clinical depression.

3. Gratitude Calms A grateful state of mind induces a physiological state called resonance that’s associated with healthier blood pressure and heart rate.

4. Gratitude Strengthens Caring for others is draining. But grateful caregivers are healthier and more capable than less grateful ones.

5. Gratitude Heals Recipients of donated organs who have the most grateful attitudes heal faster.

Stephen Post, PhD, is the author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People. Check out unlimitedloveinstitute.org for more on his research and order his book at whygoodthingshappen.com.


**MAKING OF THE BEADS **

Each set of beads contain 101 beads so you can count 100 blessings every day plus use the extra 101st bead to be thankful for the beads themselves. The beads are strung in the form of a necklace even though they don’t have to be used that way; it puts them in a loop that is perfect for counting. You can easily do this with your eyes closed.

In researching beads, I've learned that 10mm glass beads are easiest to handle. Smaller beads are harder to use and less comfortable and the weight of the glass beads makes them hang perfect in your hand making counting simple. You also want the beads to last many years so you should string them with two separate support lines, just in case one should wear out.

Although there are no right or wrong ways to use Gratitude Beads , a popular suggestion is to keep them beside your bed where you see them and use them every night. What a better way to drift off to sleep with all the things that you are grateful for. This way you wake up refreshed and with thoughts of what blessings are coming your way.

You may wonder if you could really think of 100 blessings in one sitting. All you have to do is look around. Begin blessing the house you are in, the electricity, the bed you sleep in, the people in your daily lives, abundance, good health and so on and so on. It becomes very easy to come up with 100 things to be grateful for.

What you'll find out is after about a week, you'll begin recognizing your blessings as they happen during your daily routines. It helps to bring being grateful to the forefront of your thoughts. It'll become a habit. In turn you''ll quit seeing the negative actions around you and began focusing on the things that you are grateful for. What a blessing it it is to discover this tool!

Another use for Gratitude Beads is to wear them so they become a visual and physical reminder to remember to say “Thank You” all day long. You will find the beads are fun to use and will never become an obligation.

No matter where you use your Gratitude Beads, the only important thing is to USE THEM Daily!

Use Gratitude Beads 101 not only show thanks for what you have but also to show thanks for the things you will be receiving in the future. This way you are using the beads to affirm your own prosperity. Don’t take your prosperity for granted. Make it turn out the way you desire.


**DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE BEADS **

1-Place the Gratitude Beads across your fingers, palm side up.

2-Use a finger or thumb to move through each of the beads, one at a time, starting with the first bead next to the tassel, and rotate through all the Gratitude Beads.

3-As you move through each bead, think of one thing that you are grateful for, taking as long as you want.

4-Be sure to give thanks not only for what you have, but also be grateful for what you would like to have come into your life. This way you are affirming what you want.

5-There is no right or wrong way to use Gratitude Beads .

6-Use the beads daily and begin enjoying the many benefits.

7-Results may vary person to person.


RULES (even though I hate them) International and Rating of 4.5 or better, with NO no sends in the past six months. Go ahead and message me if you’ve been rated unfairly at any point or have a good reason for your lower rating or the no sends, and we’ll talk. I’m certainly open to listening - as I understand LIFE HAPPENS!

Newbies allowed, but with filled out profiles please by the time you are signing up.

Communication is key. If you’re going to be late with the swap, let your partner know. If your partner tells you he/she is going to be late, and keeps up the communication, give him/her a break. Sometimes things come up that just can’t be helped. Life happens!

I reserve the right to ban anyone that I think might be a problem. This means people that I've noticed have a history of rating unfairly, nastiness, etc. I believe in playing nice & fairly.

The ONLY partner guidelines would be to take care in choosing colors . . if your partner hates black, don't choose black beads, etc.

ENJOY, Have FUN - after-all, this is a HOBBY . . hobbies are supposed to bring you joy & happiness!!!!!!!!

Discussion

RachelB 10/31/2008 #

A few questions - you send a whol string of 101 beads right? Should they be 10 x 10 different beads to help counting? Glass only and is it international?

myhalfofthebrain 10/31/2008 #

What a WONDERFUL idea for a swap! I've gotten away from a daily spiritual practice, and this sounds like something ideal!

The photo you've chosen shows a drawstring bag. Is that part of the swap too?

Can you comment a bit on how the tassel is attached?

ukstash 10/31/2008 #

I have spent the whole afternoon on ebay, have selected 500 glass beads to watch and choose from, and I have not joined this swap yet. It is all your fault. lol

wonderful idea.

AwtemNymf 10/31/2008 #

I so love this idea too! I'm doing the same as ^ ukstash! Browsed on Etsy too and haven't joined swap yet! I do my homework first! Love this idea! I hope you don't mine my giving some tips here: I'll do my best to explain it! * Measure enough jewelry string (wire or stretchy kind) (with a little extra for ends and adding tassle @ then end) and string all 100 beads. * Then join the two ends together and attach the 101st bead. * Tie a knot 3 times for extra strength knotting! * Then sew or attach the tassle. Voila! I've made rosaries before so this is how I did it (minus the tassle)! Good Luck! And hope this helps. :O) ~A~

purplewhimsy 10/31/2008 #

Wonderful idea, and thanks so much for passing along the info. I'm trying to figure out a way to do ten beads for the tens and ten beads for the ones so that it's only 20 beads total plus the extra one. But don't worry; I won't do that for the swap, since the swap is very specific about it being 101 beads. That's just going to be a LOT of beads on a string. I'm going to do a little more research before signing up. But thanks for the great idea and info!!

LadyT 10/31/2008 #

HI everyone - wow, I stepped away from the computer to work . .and all this interest - WOW!!!!!

I think it'll be a GREAT way to start out the new year on a positive note.

Yes, 101 beads and I simply suggest 10mm GLASS beads for ease in use . . but use your imagination. 1 bead for each of the 100 things you are grateful for and then 1 for just being grateful for the beads!!!!

As for the drawstring bag - that TOO is up to you. I would say if you do, then it should defintely deserve a heart, for sure. I persoanlly want to and hope ot wear mine alot and so there might not be a need for a bag . .but it does make a nice presentation when giving.

Yes, international . . .. shouldn't be too heavy/expensive to mail. I'll add that, sorry!!!!

You can do all one color or mix it up with a design or however you choose.

Hope this answers your questions and again, thanks for the interest. Lady "T"

LaTosi 11/ 3/2008 #

LadyT, this is a great idea. Keeping it on my nightstand will let me drift off with positive thoughts and start my day the same way.This will be fun.

LaTosi 11/ 4/2008 #

LadyT ?????Are the 10mm beads a rule or a suggestion?I found some very nice 8mm glass beads but hesitated because I wanted to check with you first.Thanks.

LaTosi 11/ 4/2008 #

Oops, I just read your comment up there that the 10mm were a suggestion sorry I didn't see it before.

LadyT 11/ 5/2008 #

Yes, just a suggestion - sorry I've been caught up with work. Thanks for asking.

AwtemNymf 11/ 5/2008 #

I just got my 10 mm round gemstone beads that I ordered from ebay. I know the glass beads were a suggestion, but I wanted to work with gemstone. I hope that is okay?

I'm really looking forward to the Gratitude beads. I can't wait to start using them myself too! What a great way to start the New year with a bang!

LadyT 11/ 7/2008 #

Creativity is not only acceptable - it's welcomed!!!

LadyT 11/14/2008 #

TAKE PART IN GRATITUDE GREETINGS DAY!!!!!

NOV 20th has been declared Gratitude Greetings Day. Those who decide to celebrate with us will make a greeting card (or two or three) and give it to a loved one.

Get full details here: http://givingchallenge.ning.com/events/29gifts-gratitude-greetings

vidriosa 11/17/2008 #

question... would it be okay to make it out of all different types of beads/sizes??? Or do they have to be the same size ? please message me to let me know !

LadyT 11/17/2008 #

Creativity is not only acceptable - it's welcomed!!!

PurpleTX 11/25/2008 #

How about something besides a tassel at the bottom?? I am having issues finding a tassel and was thinking about using a nice pendant.

LadyT 11/26/2008 #

That would be fine. I found a GREAT tassle for mine that matches beautifully with the beads . . but CREATE on!!!!! I am looking forward to pixs too - lol.

LadyT 11/27/2008 #

A Secret Scrolls message from Rhonda Byrne Creator of The Secret

The greatest thief of human happiness and abundance is ungratefulness. Any lack in our lives - whether in money, health, or relationships - is simply the evidence of a lack of gratitude. If you focus on lack you are not being grateful, and that will bring more lack into your life. Yet the simple state of radiating gratitude summons everything to you.

No matter who you are or where you are, you can change your life with gratitude, but you must feel it with your whole heart and radiate it from every cell. Gratitude is not a mental exercise, and in fact, if you simply use your mind for gratitude it will have little or no power. True gratitude comes from your heart! You must think gratitude through your heart, speak gratitude through your heart, and feel it intensely in your heart.

Then practice gratitude relentlessly. As you practice gratitude you will attract more thoughts and feelings of gratitude. In a short time your entire being will be saturated with it, and you will experience a happiness that is beyond what you can imagine. This is what is ahead for you when you choose gratitude as your way of life. And if you can really live in this highest state of gratitude, you will never have to ask for anything. Everything you want will be given to you before you even ask, because gratitude is the magnetic substance that opens every single door in the Universe.

This Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States. To celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to share an excerpt with you from The Secret Daily Teachings, which is being released in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia on December 9th. This excerpt presents an easy way to start using gratitude and integrate it into your life by making every Thursday "Thank You Thursday." As you "Thank your way through every Thursday" you will open the most powerful receiving channel within you.

From The Secret Daily Teachings Thank You Thursday

"Today is Thank You Thursday. Today and every Thursday is your day to say and feel "Thank you" in as many ways as you can.

Write a list of all the people and events you want to give thanks for.

Return thanks today to those who have done things for you.

As you walk say "Thank you" in your mind with each step you take.

As you drive, make each time you stop your cue to say "Thank you."

At various times in the day, think and feel "Thank you" inside you seven times in a row.

Look for every opportunity to say "Thank you" to other people, and say it with so much meaning that the person looks right at you.

Thank your way through every Thursday, and make "Thank you" your predominant thought, feeling, and words of the day.

"Thank you" - two words, inconceivable potential power, and all they need is you to put the power into them by expressing them.

Thank you!"

Excerpt from The Secret Daily Teachings

LadyT 12/ 2/2008 #

The Art of Receiving Hilary Hart (Ode Magazine)

Receiving isn’t easy. If it were, more of us would do it with grace and gratitude. Is there a way to change that? Can we learn to receive so we can be nourished and empowered? These are crucial questions, not just because the holiday season is a time when giving and receiving are part of our daily experience. The ability to receive is, in fact, essential to physical health, psychological balance and spiritual engagement. Before we can enhance our receptivity, though, it’s helpful to take a look at the reasons we fail to receive.

Read the full article here: http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/59/the-art-of-receiving/

LadyT 12/ 6/2008 #

You Can Heal Your Life by Loiuse Hay. I had read the book before and refer to it often. I bought the movie months ago but was saving it for a movie series that I run at work (which was been put on hold due to a flood situation).So, I invited a small group of friends over tonight to watch it . . and W.O.W! It sure did hit home.

If you know her work, her motto is: The thoughts we think and the worlds we speak create our experiences. So what better way to creat the expereinces we want than by being GRATEFUL and full of GRATITUDE!!!!

If you haven't see the movie - give yourself a gift this holiday season - and rent it, buy it, JUST SEE IT!!!!

I can't wiat to get my beads and start being grateful for 100 things a day!!!!

DosLittleMonkeys 12/12/2008 #

Still waiting for my beads to come in from Ebay. :(

DosLittleMonkeys 12/12/2008 #

Still waiting for my beads to come in from Ebay. :(

CherylLaVon 12/18/2008 #

My 101th Bead came from eBay today! Jade from China...they're SO pretty! I just finished stringing my beads for my partner. They'll go postal tomorrow!!!

CherylLaVon 12/18/2008 #

101st even

crescendo 12/23/2008 #

Wow, I wished I would have seen this swap in November! I just saw it now in someone's list (Dec 23) but I think I will make myself some anyway, I have tons of beads. This is an awesome idea and I am going to print all of this out and save it in my inspiration notebook. Thanks for the great idea and sorry I missed out on the swapping. Have fun everyone!

AwtemNymf 12/30/2008 #

I've sent mine in the mail today! :O) AwtemNymf

Lisapotterylady 12/31/2008 #

This was a wonderful idea and I sure enjoyed doing it! I received my beads from ukstash the day after Christmas and it was a great Christmas gift. I love the beads. I made mine out of many different beads, different shapes and sizes. They are very tactile. Hope my partner likes them!

AwtemNymf 01/ 2/2009 #

Here's what I sent to my partner :O) badge

LadyT 01/ 2/2009 #

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DosLittleMonkeys 01/ 3/2009 #

I feel bad that I didn't make a bag now too....

DosLittleMonkeys 01/ 3/2009 #

I feel bad that I didn't make a bag now too....

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